UFC Lightweight Champion Topuria Refuses Tsarukyan Fight, Offers To Vacate Title

Ilia Topuria, the undefeated UFC lightweight champion, recently declared he would rather vacate his title than defend it against top contender Arman Tsarukyan, whom he does not consider a reliable challenger due to Tsarukyan's history of pulling out from fights on short notice. Topuria instead expects his next title defense to be against either Justin Gaethje or Paddy Pimblett, with Tsarukyan's manager and Tsarukyan himself responding defiantly to Topuria's comments, calling on him to vacate the belt. UFC CEO Dana White has not confirmed the next challenger but has acknowledged Tsarukyan needs to work his way back into title contention after withdrawing from a previous title fight. Topuria's meticulous fight preparation involves detailed striking data analysis and cage positioning strategies, demonstrating his scientific approach to controlling opponents during fights. His stance and methods have sparked significant debate within the MMA community regarding the lightweight title picture and the evolution of fight preparation. The ongoing dispute highlights the tension between fighters vying for the lightweight championship and the UFC's matchmaking decisions.